DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 16, 2007 DHSS-131-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FEDS ANNOUNCE DPC IN COMPLIANCE
CMS Approves DPC's Plans of Correction - Federal Funding Not Threatened
New Castle, DE - In two separate letters sent to DPC Hospital Director Susan Watson-Robinson, officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have accepted the Delaware Psychiatric Center's Plans of Correction (POC) to fix deficiencies cited in its recent surveys, with one exception.
"This means that CMS accepts the steps DPC has taken or will be taking to ensure our facilities are in compliance with all Medicare requirements," explained Susan Robinson, DPC Hospital Director. "The acceptance of our POC shows that they agree that DPC has improved and will continue to do so."
"We are proud of the significant improvements we've made at the hospital over the past 7 years," said Vince Meconi, Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services. "These surveys were another opportunity for improvement. As future reports are issued by other authorities, there will be further such opportunities."
The letters to DPC accept all of DPC's Plans of Correction, except for one citation involving the return air plenum for the HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) system for the building. The survey determined that the facility failed to ensure that the HVAC systems are installed according to NFPA 90A, stating that "the space above the drop ceiling in the exit access corridors is being used as a return air plenum for the HVAC system for the building."
"We appealed that citation, but frankly, it's hard to disagree with CMS’ decision," said Meconi. "At this point we haven't determined whether we will seek a waiver of the requirement (with no assurance that it would be granted) or proceed with what might be a very expensive renovation. In any event, their decision is yet another indicator that we need a new hospital."
CMS conducted four surveys of the DPC over the past four months: an unannounced complaint survey investigation from July 23-27, an unannounced recertification survey from August 27-29, an unannounced complaint survey from September 19 - 20 (Carvel Building) and an unannounced Annual Federal Medicare Survey from September 17-21, 2007.
CMS then issued four Statements of Deficiencies (CMS-2567) to DPC with descriptions of the findings of noncompliance. In response to the deficiencies, DPC was required to submit written responses known as the Plan of Correction (POC) for approval by the CMS survey team.
The Plans of Correction approved by CMS state in detail how the deficient practices have been or will be corrected and identifies the nature of the corrective action, and how the corrective action will not only address the concerns identified in the CMS-2567, but also other situations where there is a potential for noncompliance with the cited regulation. The approved POCs also identify what systemic changes will be made to ensure that the deficient practice will not recur and how the DPC will monitor its corrective action to ensure that the deficient practice is corrected, i.e., what quality assurance program will be put into place.
The DPC did not face any loss of Federal funds or accreditation as a result of the CMS findings.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
